• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) led 17 Senate Democrats in requesting administrative relief for undocumented immigrants, according to a March 26 statement from Padilla’s office. As the Biden administration considers executive actions on the border, the letter outlines recommendations to make immigration relief more efficient for […]
Political Watch: April 4, 2024
Posted inNews
Board of Supervisors holds off on new sales tax measures
Recent Santa Barbara County survey results showed that cost of living and financial security concerns would hold many voters back from voting in favor of any additional sales tax this election. “There’s a level of trust we need to build before we ask [voters] for more money,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson said during the […]
Posted inNews
Buellton amends zoning laws on emergency shelters
While a dedicated emergency shelter doesn’t currently exist in Buellton, the option to build one was on the table for property owners in the city’s commercial districts before a recent ruling. During its March 28 meeting, the Buellton City Council enacted an urgency ordinance to temporarily ban the development of emergency shelters in areas zoned […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria amends ADU ordinance amid lingering frustrations
Since 2018, Santa Maria’s approved 1,526 accessory dwelling units (ADUs), equivalent to eight apartment complexes, leaving residents frustrated with overflowing trash bins, increased traffic, and less parking. “It’s not uncommon for us to see a single-family property with one or multiple ADUs and so it begins to take on a neighborhood characteristic of something that’s […]
Posted inNews
Clean up and abandon: While the state undertakes its largest orphan oil well project in California history, environmental groups worry about lack of accountability for oil operators
About a year ago, the California Department of Conservation embarked on the largest oil well plugging and abandonment project in state history, starting in Santa Barbara County. The department’s Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) set off to plug and abandon 171 orphaned wells in the Santa Maria Valley’s Cat Canyon with $34 million in state […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Good Witch Farm in Lompoc delivers microgreens across the Central Coast, makes them more than a final flourish
Micro-education Keep up with Good Witch Farm’s organic microgreens and edible flowers on Instagram @good_witch_farm. For queries, contact owner Jane Darrah at (805) 757-4120. Often forgotten about until it’s time to make a plate of food look pretty, microgreens and edible garnishes are at the forefront of Lompoc cultivator Jane Darrah’s mind. “I found microgreens […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Blast from the Past: Singin’ in the Rain
Singin’ in the Rain What’s it rated? G When? 1952 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on April 6 (1:30, 4:15, 7, and 9:30 p.m.), April 7 (1:30, 4:15, and 7 p.m.), and April 8 (7 p.m.) Ah, Hollywood! This classic rom-com musical stars Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
New Flicks: Road House
Road House What’s it rated? R When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime Doug Limon (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow) directs this “not quite a remake” about a bouncer hired to clean up a fight-prone bar who ends up saving an entire community. It’s basically a Western, as this version self-reflexively acknowledges through future […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Constellation makes quantum mechanics entertaining
Constellation What’s it rated? TV-MA What’s it worth, Glen? Full price What’s it worth, Anna? Full price Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus Created by Peter Harness (Wallander, Doctor Who) based on a concept by Sean Jablonski (Nip/Tuck), this sci-fi psychological thriller/mystery follows astronaut Jo Ericsson (Noomi Rapace) who after a deadly accident on the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Cuyama Buckhorn’s Wild Flour Celebration features workshops, live music, food, wine
The Cuyama Buckhorn’s upcoming three-day Wild Flour Celebration runs Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7. The multi-layered event includes a wide range of culinary offerings, education programs, and other festivities to celebrate the Cuyama Valley’s super bloom of wildflowers. The program kicks off with a Welcome Wildflower Cocktail reception on April 5 (check-in begins […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Friendly Neighborhood Big Band pays tribute to Frank Sinatra at benefit concert
The Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church presents the Friendly Neighborhood Big Band live in concert on Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. The local ensemble will perform covers of popular songs made famous by Frank Sinatra during the program, titled Sinatra: The Music of Frank Sinatra. According to the 16-piece band’s Facebook page, the featured members […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Lompoc’s Off Base at Hangar 7 is a wood-fired heaven
Pizza port Off Base at Hangar 7 is located at 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 5 to 9 p.m. For more info, follow the eatery’s Instagram page, @offbaseathangar7. Pepperoni. Pineapple. Prime rib. Pear slices. Curry sauce. Some wood-fired pizzas at Off Base at Hangar 7—a cozy pub […]